2009 - The Year of the Snuggie

With only two days left in this decade, I thought today would be a good day to review our whirlwind year. And, what a year it has been!

When 2009 began, we had just recently moved back to Alpharetta from Sydney, Australia. We were engaged, planning the best wedding EVER, and making googly eyes at each other. Then, on January 24th, I married my best friend in the ballroom of an Antebellum house in a small Southern town.

[caption id="attachment_374" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="My feet were freezing in this picture. It was January and I still don't know exactly where I had left my shoes when this picture was taken."][/caption]

I turned 32 exactly one week later, while we were on our honeymoon at Disneyworld. Yes, folks. I got to spend my birthday at the happiest place on earth (next to Starbucks) and Dan took me to Cirque du Soleil, which was awesome but the real attraction on the anniversary of my birth was the Snuggie I got to unwrap! I've decided that if I ever return to teaching Sunday school to six-year-olds, I'm going to wear my Snuggie and be a life-sized, felt Bible story board.

[caption id="attachment_375" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Think this is a picture of Cinderella's castle? Nope! It's a picture of a bunch of Floridians wearing those ever-so-fashionable fanny packs and sun visors. Black socks with sandals, anyone?"][/caption]

Just before Easter, God blessed us with the miracle that would become Madeline. We loved her from the second we saw that second pink line, and her story is chronicled in this blog.

[caption id="attachment_377" align="aligncenter" width="294" caption="What a sweet face!"][/caption]

This fall, Dan accepted a new job in Birmingham. So, I quit my job at Tutoring Club, loaded up my big, round belly full o' baby and we moved into our new place.

We've wrapped up the year by welcoming our beautiful baby girl to the world.

[caption id="attachment_380" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Don't you just want to cover her with kisses?"][/caption]

It's been crazy, but it has all been worth it.

So, farewell, 2009. You were good to us. I'll remember you fondly every time I kiss my loving husband good night, every time I look at my precious little girl and see both Dan and me, every time we take her to Disneyworld, and every time I snuggle up in my Snuggie.

Thank you for sharing this year with us, and stay tuned to watch our sweet Madeline grow!

Prayers

I'd like to solicit your prayers for a friend who suffered a terrible tragedy over Christmas weekend. There are some things that only God understands, as His ways are not our ways.

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Eve!

⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 ¹⁴"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."   - Luke 2:8-14

Dear Santa,

This Christmas, Dan and I will be celebrating two "firsts." It's our first Christmas as a married couple, and it's Madeline's first Christmas ever. Hey, that's what happens when you get married in January and pregnant in March. :) So, in light of those two wonderful milestones, here is this year's list of Christmas wishes:

• A marriage that continues to grow better and better with each new day, bringing surprises, laughter, and love - just as it has all year.


• Hope and joy for Madeline. She's new to this world and it's so easy to become cynical and jaded. We'd like for her to see the world as a place full of things to enjoy and people to love.


• A lifetime of Christmases without "The Gimmes." Again, Madeline is brand new and has no idea about the selfishness and competition that often surround this season. We would like for her to know Christmas as a time of anticipation - not of presents, but anticipation of Christ and of peace and goodwill towards other people. We want her to know that the best things in life are not things at all, but people and how much we can love them.


• Food for the hungry, blankets for the cold, hope for the hopeless, and love for the lonely.


• Good health.


• We want our friends and family to know how much we love them and appreciate them.


• The ability to be good parents and set the right example for the miracle God has sent us.


• Correct grammar for the world.


• A pony. (You always have to ask for a pony. It's the law.)

Merry Christmas with Love,

The Head Family

Things are a little different this year...

As you can probably imagine, life has been a little busier than usual in the Head family house. Heck, this time last year, we weren't even the Head family yet!

For as long as I can remember, I have sent out Christmas cards on December 10th (or the 11th if the 10th fell on a Sunday). This year, it just didn't happen. We chose to get birth announcements, instead. :)

There is no Charlie Brown Christmas tree in the living room, or any Christmas tree for that matter, because we just didn't have time to go out and get one. Plus, it's been a bit cold to take a newborn out to shop for a tree.

Another huge difference is that I have only done Christmas baking out of a box this year. (Hiding face in SHAME!!!) I promise to at least bake some real brownies between now and Thursday, though!

Have I stressed about it? Of course I have! This is me we're talking about!

Is it worth it? You bet! Our stockings are hung by the chimney with care, and our hopes that Madeline soon would be there have been fulfilled. We'll do cards, a tree, and famous Christmas cookies next year. This year, we're just going to hang out with the babyhead.

And, for now, that's just going to have to be OK with everyone.

Just a Couple of Pictures

[caption id="attachment_361" align="aligncenter" width="269" caption="A picture of me with my eyes open!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_362" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My very first Starbucks experience!"][/caption]

One Week Old!

Thoughts on My First Week of Life: A Memoir in Pictures by Madeline

 

[caption id="attachment_353" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="This bouncy seat is the perfect place to sit and collect one's thoughts. It's been nice talking to you, but I'm getting tired and should probably go rest. I have a busy week of discovering new things ahead!"][/caption]

SHE'S HERE!!

Please welcome Madeline Grace Head to the world!

Madeline was born on Friday December 4, 2009 at 7:45 pm.

She weighed 7 lbs 8 oz and is a little over 21 inches tall.

But, we know what you really want, so here you go -

[caption id="attachment_340" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Getting squeaky clean"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_341" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="My first salon experience"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_342" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Daddy holds his baby girl for the first time."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_343" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Snuggling with Mommy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_344" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Please, dahling! I've had enough of the paparazzi!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_345" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Going home"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_346" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Milk coma."][/caption]

She is a sweet, beautiful baby girl and is more loved than even we could have ever believed possible.

December Already??

Yep. And on the NBR (Not Baby Related) side of things, that means that it is almost  Christmas, almost New Years, and we only have a few weeks left in this decade. Wow.

Anyway, for those of you who might need a little push to help get you in the spirit of the season, here's a little video that might help you with that. Just try to listen and not sing along. I dare you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7xjjlUbpJ4

The wait is almost over. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself, but a little sad, too. I have really enjoyed this experience, and I know how lucky I am to be able to say that. As much as I've complained abut the swollen feet and backaches, and as much as Dan is convinced that I have absolutely lost my mind and will never get it back, it has all been worth it. I love watching my belly move as she tries to get comfortable, and I adore having my little girl this close to me,  right under my heart.

I just realized that I've been blogging here since April about my pregnancy journey and anticipation of this wonderful blessing who is about to come into our lives, and I have not mentioned Sylvia Plath even once. What kind of English teacher lets something like that happen??

So, here it is - the poem that pretty much sums up the ninth month of waiting. And, don't worry. The only things going into my oven are chocolate chip cookies and cranberry muffins. :)

Enjoy!

Metaphors

I'm a riddle in nine syllables,
An elephant, a ponderous house,
A melon strolling on two tendrils.
O red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
This loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
Money's new-minted in this fat purse.
I'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
I've eaten a bag of green apples,
Boarded the train there's no getting off.

Sylvia Plath

Our Apologies

We are sorry to disappoint some people, but no baby was born yesterday. Well, I'm sure SOMEONE had a baby, but it wasn't us.

So, we hope Uncle Benjamin and my aunt Sue will accept our sincerest apologies but they are just going to have to wait a few more days.

Thanksgiving 2009

[caption id="attachment_314" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Not a belly shot, but here we are! "][/caption]

Happy Thanksgiving!

" Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."  Psalm 100:4

Countdowns All Around!

Countdown to Thanksgiving - 2 days!  I hope everyone takes a minute to pray for traveling mercies for those who will be commuting long distances for turkey and family time.  We have so much for which to be thankful, especially this year!

Countdown to Madeline's due date - 12 days! Not even two weeks, folks! I wonder if she's itching to see us as much as we are itching to see her?

And, with the help of my friend Cindy's blog, I had a realization this morning: Countdown to Christmas - 30 days! Wow. We only have 30 days until Christmas. And this one will be the best yet because our little girl will be here to share it with us!

Lots of excitement over the next few weeks!!

 

More Old Wives' Tales

This time, they're about inducing labor.

Since the baby is full term now, and since some of the legends held true when it came to predicting her gender, I thought I would experiment a little.

JUST KIDDING! I'm not going to start jumping up and down the stairs. I don't think I could if I wanted to. But, here are a few I discovered while amusing myself with the vast portal of knowledge known as the internet.

• Eggplant - had it for dinner last night. Still pregnant.


• Raspberry tea - hmm. Haven't tried that one, but it sounds tasty!


• Castor oil - I could be 11 months pregnant and would still not do this one.


• Walking - I'm still ambulatory, so I do this every day. Still pregnant.


• Spicy food - again, something I consume on a regular basis. Nothing.


• Accupressure in the feet & ankles - had a pedicure yesterday. Maybe not aggressive enough?


• Sex - Um...


• Black cohosh - I'm not even sure what that is.


• Pineapple - sounds yummy! I don't think it's going to induce labor, but it would be a nice snack.


• Walking up and down stairs - since I'm still waiting for that darned teleporter to be delivered, that's how I get to and from the bedroom, laundry room, and baby's room.


• Curry - ick.


• Visualization and hypnosis - are you kidding me?

So, this is what I've found so far. Anyone have anything different? Do you know anyone who swears by any of these, or something else? I would love to hear more!

 

 

 

A Non-Update

Is that possible? Can you have a non-update? Or, maybe an unupdate like an unbirthday?

Anyway, I had my 37 week check up this morning and there's no change. Dr. T says we're still at 1.5 cm and looking at a couple of weeks.

So, that's how today went. Still waiting. Check back for a real update later.

Birthing Class

We spent all day Saturday (and I mean all day, from 9am to 4pm) in a birthing class, followed by a tour of the hospital. By the time we got home, I had decided that I no longer have any desire to give birth.

Oh, it's not that I was ever unaware of what would happen. I'm a big girl. I know where babies come from. I don't like thinking about, hearing about, seeing, or having any knowledge of medical procedures. It really creeps me out. I can't watch medical dramas like ER, or almost any show on Discovery Health because it gives me the heebeejeebees when they start describing  weird things that are growing on people, or the procedures they use to cure some of these bizarre ailments.

You can imagine my chagrin when they began to pass around medical equipment and tell us how it would be used during labor and delivery, complete with video footage in case we didn't understand just by hearing her detailed explanations.

"This is the tube that will be inserted into your spine." (shudder)  Stitches, and tubes, and needles - Oh, my!! (cringe)

And, don't even get me started on the 12-step, 30-minute process involved in the simple act of going potty.

So, here's my new birth plan. Get the child out of me however you need to, make sure we're both healthy, but please do not feel that you have to share what you're doing, where you're putting whatever that is, or why you're doing it. I'll feel better not knowing.

3 more weeks!

 

 

 

37 Weeks

See a resemblance?

To Our Veterans...

Whether during peace time or war, stateside or abroad, THANK YOU for your courage and sacrifices.

 

36 Week Checkup

I would post a 36 week picture, but the rain attacked my hair and now it looks like a mullet. I won't subject you to that.

The little nudger is head-down with a perfect heartbeat, and my bloodwork was good. We are definitely making progress.

Just a few more weeks!

We have a nursery!

[caption id="attachment_283" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Dan did such a great job getting all the furniture put together. I'm a very lucky wife!"][/caption]

30 Days!

I can't believe we've already made it to the 30-day countdown. I wonder if she's aware that she still has 30 days left in there? Sometimes it feels like she's trying to claw her way out through my rib cage and I have to explain to her that not only is it too early, but she also can't get out that way. :)

We have just a couple of finishing touches to make on the baby's room this weekend, but it's almost all done! World's Greatest Husband is also Baby Furniture Putter Together Extraordinaire! Pictures will be posted soon.

Time to Vote, Again!

But, first, I'll tell you a little story.

Did you know that my grandmother was born on February 2? Did you know that she gave birth to my mother on her own birthday? That said, would you like to take a guess at what my due date was? (That would be February 2, for those of you who don't have time to figure it out.) Neat, huh? 

Now, maybe it's because I've always done things a little differently or because someone was reading me Emily Post so I knew, even then, how rude it is to be late. Maybe it's because I didn't want to steal anyone's thunder by making my first appearance on their birthdays. Or, maybe I just had my little baby checklist completed and had nothing else to do. Whatever the reason, I didn't hold out until February 2. I was here two days early (which isn't too early to be breach the laws of good etiquette, and therefore qualifies as punctual).  Hmm, what do you know? Even as a fetus I was uptight.

Madeline will have not only my uptight, punctual genes but also those of her laid-back daddy. He liked his cozy little womb, where he was curled up on his fetal couch with the remote, watching SportsCenter. He was perfectly comfortable - comfortable enough to stay put for an additional two weeks. Yes, two entire weeks past his due date, he finally arrived. I guess there is the possibility that he was just doing the fashionably late thing. What a trend-setter!

With only four and a half weeks until we're expecting our special delivery, everyone seems to have an idea of when she will come. Her uncle Benjamin (Uncle Willie) and my aunt Sue are both guessing Thanksgiving Day. My dear friend, Nina, wants her to be born on her due date so they can share a birthday. Dan has a whole, elaborate plan worked out in which she will arrive the day after Thanksgiving, AFTER the Alabama-Auburn game, of course.

So, what do you think?  Vote now!

[polldaddy poll=2209595]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

[caption id="attachment_259" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Welcome to Head Manor. (Insert howling wind and hooting owl sound effects here) "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_260" align="aligncenter" width="397" caption="Jack and Jill (Mr. and Mrs. O'Lantern) hope you will enjoy your visit."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_261" align="aligncenter" width="420" caption="Aaahhh! It's a gigantic woman! My costume is that of a very pregnant woman, and Madeline is dressed as a fetus. Dan was all decked out as a Wake Forest fan with a cold."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_262" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Jenn and Chris stopped by with Addie this morning. "What a cute little ballerina costume," you say. Nope..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_263" align="aligncenter" width="272" caption="...The Miracle Monkey has been spending her Saturday mornings DANCING! Yep. You read that right. I said Addie is learning to dance!"][/caption]

 Happy Halloween, everyone!

Only 5 more weeks until we see our Madeline!

Things No One Told Me, Part 3

I love books. If you didn't already know that about me, then we've never met. I will read anything with words on it, but books are by far my favorite. I also like to do things ahead of time and be prepared. Naturally, I want to read all I can about the baby and what's going on with her because I believe it will help me to take care of my body better while she's cooking, and be a better mommy when she's out of the oven.

The books that focus on what will happen to both of us during pregnancy have been, for the most part, pretty helpful and informative. I haven't actually been able to read much in the other one - the one about what will happen after the baby gets here - primarily because it's quite terrifying.

Here are some things no one told me, but the book is assuring me will happen:

• Once we come home, I will be in such agonizing pain that I will no be able to walk, sit, go upstairs, or use the bathroom for months - and it may not end there.


• Feeding my child will be such a painful and frustrating experience that I will give up and decide she can find her own dadburn nourishment.


• From the moment Madeline exits my body, she will begin screaming violently and will not stop, even to catch her breath, for at least three years. At that point, she will do nothing but throw angry tantrums, touch herself inappropriately in public, and swear at strangers.


• Dan and I might as well sell our bed because we will not sleep for another 18 years.


• Madeline will not actually fall asleep until she is a toddler, when she will wake up several times a night, every night, because of nightmares and raging fevers.


• Our child will have some sort of illness every single day from the time we bring her home. This one has to be true because there is an illness discussed on every single page in the book.


• Listed among the "Common Childhood Illnesses:"  Chicken Pox. Pinkeye. Ear Infection. RABIES....What the heck?????


• If I do not run a half marathon on a daily basis and if I eat anything other than wheat germ and organic spinach for the rest of my natural life, I will forever resemble a sumo wrestler because of how much giving birth will alter my body.


• The following things will make us bad parents:  having a clean house, watching TV, supplementing with formula, using disposable diapers, and telling her "no."


• I will begin to envy and hate my husband, and he become resentful of my permanent depression and no longer find me attractive.

Whew!! It's enough to make me want to leave her in there! Not once have I read anything, yet, about cuddling her, playing with her, singing to her, or seeing her smile for the first time. They just make everything seem so negative, like having a baby is more trouble than it's worth.

Fortunately, as I said before, I have friends and family to set me straight. I know that Madeline was sent straight to us from God and that the wonderful moments with her will far outweigh the struggles. And, thank God for my incredible, adoring husband who is already the best husband and father who ever lived. Thank you, babe, for doing everything you can to make me more comfortable and allay my fears!

In the meantime, I'm on my way to Barnes and Noble to pick up something a little more lighthearted to read. I'll get something less dismal, like something about the Salem Witch Trials, or the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. (or, not...)

34 Weeks

I had my 34 week check up with the new doc this morning (whom I still really like, btw) and everything is awesome as usual! Baby's heartbeat is strong, I'm healthy as usual, and we only have a little more than 5 weeks left!! Can you believe it??? Only a few more weeks until we get to meet our baby girl! I guess we need to get cracking on putting the nursery together, huh? My next visit will be the first of my weekly visits.

While we wait, and because fall is the nicest time of year with the best holidays, I've been looking at pictures of my friends' adorable kiddies trying out their Halloween costumes, walking in pumpkin patches, and checking out some of the fabulous foliage.(Check out the Henderson and Muldrow families on the right!) While looking at the pictures makes me giggle with delight, it makes me even more giddy to think that next year at this time, I'll be sharing this season with my own baby! I'll be dressing Madeline in some precious little outfit, taking pictures of her in the fall air, surrounded by pumpkins and brightly colored leaves, and wondering how in the world people can look at her pictures without absolutely gushing over her cuteness.

It'll be here before we know it!

Webster and Mrs. Head

Let's have a vocab lesson, shall we?

According to Mr. Webster:

weird (weerd) adj. : strikingly odd or unusual in character; strange.

surreal (suh-ree-uhl) adj: having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream.

 

According to Mrs. Head:

weird (weerd) adj: "There are diapers in my house."

surreal (suh-ree-uhl) adj: "And they're for MY kid!"

Third Trimester Dichotomy

On the one hand, I can't believe she will be here in about six short weeks. For that, I am overjoyed and a little nervous.

On the other hand, I am so ready to hold this baby I'm about to jump out of my skin! I want to know what she looks like, what it feels like to hold her and smell her sweet little head. I certainly don't want to rush anything  and I sure don't want to pick her before she's ripe, but the anticipation is starting to get to me.

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25

I know, I know.

"Must Haves"

I've been reading a lot of magazines over the past few months, particularly those related to pregnancy and parenting. They're usually found in doctor's office waiting rooms, hair and nail salons, lobbies of various buildings, etc. I've been intrigued by what I've read and frankly, I'm amazed that any human being has survived childhood so far. Who knew there were so many things that a mom MUST HAVE before and after her child is born?

For instance, did you know that you will not survive parenthood without a decorative cover for baby wipes to keep in your designer diaper bag? Or that if you do not have in your possession at all times, a $40 plastic bag in which to keep a change of clothes, you are a terrible mother?

It gets worse. Infants, apparently, need lavender scented lip balm in order to develop properly. They also cannot function as normal children unless all their senses are stimulated by flashing lights and a medley of sounds 24 hours a day, even as they sleep.  And, does a bib that costs more than more than a small kitchen appliance really help ward off food spills better than a bib from Target? Really?? Yes, I have seen those labeled MUST HAVE, as well.

Thank goodness I have a close group of friends who are mommies, who tell me what the real "MUST HAVES" are.  They suggest a loving husband, supportive friends, and a willingness to go with the flow. Oh, and diapers. This little girl is already so loved by so many, and isn't that the most important need that should be met?

So, thanks for your advice, pregnancy magazines, but I think our needs are being met even though I don't have a decorative baby wipe cover. But, I did take your advice on one thing. I do have a birth plan. I plan to give birth to a baby girl named Madeline Grace and to love her for the rest of my life. How's that for a MUST HAVE?

Pictures, as promised!

Here are some pictures from last week's beautiful shower for Madeline. Thanks again, Jakki & Sheryl!

[caption id="attachment_236" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Yummy food, adorable cake."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_237" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="These should last us a day or two! :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_238" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="With Jakki's precious Aubrey."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_239" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Jakki's so creative!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_240" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Tiny and my lovely sisters-in-law."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_241" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Bouncy seat!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_242" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="I've heard you can't live without a Boppy, so I'm glad we have one now. :)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_243" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Basket full o' goodies!"][/caption]

"I Coulda Been a Contender!"

I thought it was just sensitive gums, to be blamed on pregnancy like everything else is. So, at Saturday's shower, I chewed my little quiches carefully, and we picked up some Orajel on the way out, just in case. By Saturday night, I couldn't function without Tylenol.

After enduring Sunday while thinking, "If labor hurts this much, maybe I'd like to be sedated (Ba-ba-ba-ba Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba, I wanna be sedated)," I got up Monday morning and found a dentist who would see me on short notice, who sent me to an endodontist who said that the infection was so bad I would have to take antibiotics for a week before we could even try to fix the tooth.

Great.

I'll spare you all the gory, nasty details and leave you with the knowledge that by the time it started to hurt, the infection had spread to my jaw. So, the nice endodontist gave me a prescription (which worked like a charm on the pain) and said if I had any facial swelling, to come back.

When I woke up this morning, I looked like this (sans the moustache, of course):

 

So, while it's been fun entertaining myself with Marlon Brando and Popeye impersonations, I have to go back to see the nice man who is going to do some things to my face that don't sound very fun at all.

I was concerned about all the meds I have to take, and the anesthesia, but I visited the new OB this morning and she reassured me that everything will be fine.

I'll be glad when my face returns to normal and my doctor's visits consist only of measuring my belly and taking my blood pressure again.

Baby Shower 2

Saturday brought another wonderful shower, hosted by my fabulous friends, Jakki & Sheryl.  We had a great time, an adorable cake, and some yummy brunch food!!

If you didn't already know, Jakki is not only Supermom, but also Superfriend. At any given moment, you can stop by Jakki's house and find it spotless, her toddler happy, and her face beautiful. She sews, she cooks, she bakes, she cans, she takes care of her home and family, and she does it all with a smile on her face. In addition to all that, she's a great friend. Jakki has a two-year-old and just gave birth three weeks ago, and still managed to get together with Sheryl and create a perfect shower for me! How she does it, I'll never know, but I know that I am so lucky to have those two as friends.

I would post some pictures, but the baby has eaten my brain and I forgot my camera. Hopefully, some benevolent soul who was there will offer to e mail me some pictures, then I can share them here.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Did you ever feel like your life was following the same story line as a movie? I've been thinking a lot about how truly blessed I am to have the life that I have, and I'm starting to think there's a reason I can watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding over and over again. I'll illustrate with some quotes from the movie.

I met my Mr. Wonderful, proving that I was not, "doomed to wander the planet alone."

 

 

At 31, just like the main character in the movie, I married a man who is so good to me I almost feel as if I don't deserve him (almost).



 

And, "a minute later I was pregnant." The couple in the movie even had a little girl. :)  Sometimes, just like Tula, I feel like I'm going to wake up and this all will have been a dream - "But, it did happen! It did!" And, I'm so glad it did.

I'm being a little silly, comparing my life to that of Tula and Ian. That was a movie script. This is real. What we have in our home is real love, real joy, and real faith in each other.  What a fabulous reason for  Big Fat Southern Celebration!

"OPA!" (That, apparently, is Greek for "Yeehaw!")

Baby Shower in Bama

This afternoon, I was able to have a great time with family and friends because my dear friend, Jenn, threw a perfect baby shower for our Madeline.

[caption id="attachment_216" align="aligncenter" width="563" caption="Awesome spread"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_217" align="aligncenter" width="418" caption="With my hostess and awesome friend, Jenn"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_218" align="aligncenter" width="439" caption="Football during a baby shower? Why not?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_219" align="aligncenter" width="402" caption="So many cute clothes!!"][/caption]



It was also wonderful to see Jenn's little girl, Addie, all dressed up in her party dress!

[caption id="attachment_221" align="aligncenter" width="363" caption="Addie and Baby"][/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_222" align="aligncenter" width="497" caption="Say cheese, Addie!"][/caption]

 

Thanks so much to Jenn for making everything wonderful, and to everyone who was so generous to Madeline today!